Gas monitor testing apparatus, method, and system

Abstract

Method, apparatus, and system are utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner whereby testing gas is directly delivered to the gas sensor.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to gas testing processes, apparatus, and systems and, more particularly, to testing processes, apparatus, and systems for validating performance of gas monitors, such as carbon monoxide monitors.[0002]A variety of toxic gases are monitored for dangerous concentrations. One such gas is carbon monoxide, (CO), a colorless, tasteless, odorless, and deadly gas. CO in high concentrations is not only undetectable by humans but is also highly dangerous and widely prevalent in many everyday situations. For instance, carbon monoxide can be produced by combustion of a number of common household sources, including wood or gas fireplaces, gas or oil furnaces, wood stoves, gas appliances, etc. CO typically becomes unsafe when dangerous concentrations build-up due to, for example, poor ventilation. CO build-up is a potential problem, for example, in energy-efficient, airtight homes, vehicles, and plants that decrease the exchange of inside and outside air.[0003]...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention improves upon known testing methods, systems, and apparatus utilized for validating gas monitor performance. In so doing, it addresses a need for testing CO monitors in a manner that achieves confirmation of performance in a quick manner that reduces testing gas and labor costs. The present invention provides an enhanced method, apparatus, and system utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner that improves over known approaches.

[0010]An aspect of the invention is a method, apparatus, and system to significantly reduce the actual testing time of testing gas monitors with testing gas.

[0011]Another aspect of the invention is a method, apparatus, and system to significantly reduce the actual time to set-up a gas test of gas monitors by reducing time delays arising from the need to purge air from around the gas sensor, and reduce amounts and costs of testing gas, thereby reducing significantly the overall costs of testing.

[0012]Another aspect of the invention is a method, apparatus, and system to that significantly accomplishes the above in a manner that is easy to effectuate and reliable in operation.

Problems solved by technology

CO in high concentrations is not only undetectable by humans but is also highly dangerous and widely prevalent in many everyday situations.

CO typically becomes unsafe when dangerous concentrations build-up due to, for example, poor ventilation.

CO build-up is a potential problem, for example, in energy-efficient, airtight homes, vehicles, and plants that decrease the exchange of inside and outside air.

If CO levels become so high, the monitors will issue an alarm.

Since testing procedures use testing gas, and given the relatively lengthy times required for a validating a monitor's performance, considerable testing gas may be used.

It will be appreciated that there are cost considerations when frequently using relatively expensive testing gases for the significant periods of time as noted above, especially when such costs are multiplied by the number of sensors to be monitored and the number of times the monitors will be tested.

If the testing gas is toxic, undesirable safety issues may also be present, should the gas not be handled properly or the testing procedure not be properly carried out.

This is a considerable amount of time to expend not only in terms of holding the delivery tube and plastic bag in proper position over the gas monitor, but also for using the relatively expensive testing gas.

Accordingly, not only is the amount of actual testing time at the desired level of testing gas concentration relatively lengthy, but the actual time to set-up and perform a test is increased due to additional time delays arising from setting up the test and purging the air.

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